Upgrades, familiarity could lead to Bradford breakout in 4th season with Rams

Conditions appear favorable for St. Louis quarterback Sam Bradford to have breakout season.

The Rams upgraded protection with free agent left tackle Jake Long, picked up a premier tight end in Jared Cook and addressed a long-standing deficiency at wide receiver by drafting Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick.

Plus, there's no learning curve in the second season with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. That's what has Bradford excited the most about his role in leading a team that's gone a decade without a winning season into playoff contention.